Buying groups reveal jewellery fair schedules

Back by popular demand, Nationwide Jewellers has secured high profile US sales expert Shane Decker to present a number of diamond training seminars.

 

The group’s managing director, Colin Pocklington, told Jeweller he was eager to confirm Decker’s attendance following the success of his previous visit to the Sydney fair in 2011.

 

The industry expert will conduct an extensive three-hour training session “Closing a Diamond Sale” on Saturday 31 August from 2pm-5pm. He will also hold three sales-focused 45-minute sessions on Sunday. 

 

In addition, Nationwide has organised other seminars for the fair, including diamond-grading workshops held by local expert Bill Sechos and a session dedicated to helping members with store rental negotiations. Member briefings on current group projects, including new websites, will also be conducted. 

 

Leading Edge will host a major three-day conference in Sydney prior to the fair from Thursday 29 August to Saturday 31 August. 

 

The first day will feature a session for members on the group’s new marketing plans, while on Friday a supplier tradeshow will be held, followed on Saturday by a range of seminars.    

 

Leading Edge managing director Josh Zarb told Jeweller that the group had arranged for US-based retail jewellery expert, Lynn Baldwin, to conduct two presentations on Saturday. 

 

“He’s hosting a morning session for our members, educating them on how to get the best out of their repair business. Then, in the afternoon, he’s hosting another session on how to get the best from your business, what KPIs to look for and general business advice,” Zarb said. Marketing seminars, workshops and member presentations will also take place.   

 

The group has held a conference prior to the fair for the past three years, an arrangement that Zarb said worked. 

 

“It gives members an opportunity to complete all of our education components, and then it gives them a chance to stay on cost-effectively and attend the trade fair as well.

 

“So most of our members typically stay on the Saturday night so at least they can attend the Sunday and Monday of the trade fair.”

 

Zarb added that the group would use the time during the fair to meet with new members as well as conduct management and marketing training.

 

Showcase Jewellers also will be holding its three-day conference in Sydney immediately prior to the fair. 

 

“It’s the perfect time to have everyone together to communicate, as members will already be in Sydney for the fair,” Showcase chief executive officer Michael Mishevski said. 

 

Events organised for the conference include: the unveiling of the group’s strategic plan that will incorporate many aspects of its future direction; presentations by Lynn Baldwin and visual merchandising professionals; two member buying days; and the launch of its stage one e-commerce site.

 

During the jewellery fair, Showcase will be providing information on its key promotions and exclusive offers for membership for the year ahead. 

 

While all three groups have a full schedule planned, adequate time has been allotted for socialising. 

 

To celebrate its 20-year presence in New Zealand, Nationwide will be holding a black and white-themed annual member’s dinner on Sunday 1 September. The event will take place at Dockside from 7pm and inaugural New Zealand members will be presented with 20-year trophies on the night.   

 

Leading Edge will be hosting a member and supplier award evening at Star City in Darling Harbour on Thursday 29 August. The Great Gatsby-themed event will consist of dinner and entertainment. The group will also hold a team-building event for members on Friday night.    

 

Showcase also has organised a The Great Gatsby-themed gala dinner, for Saturday 31 August at the Ivy, which will include poolside drinks and entertainment. 

 

In addition, winners of the group’s members Design Awards will be announced on the night. 

 

“We use state-of-the-art video photography, YouTube and other social media resources to promote this and show off the amazing jewellery pieces. The entertainment is all part of the celebration and fun to be had by members and suppliers alike,” Mishevski said.